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  #1  
Old 02-08-19, 11:16 AM
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Default Airborne RASC group photo

I have just acquired this photo, which looks to me to be a group of Airborne RASC in the Far East.

I believe that the uniform is 'Indian Pattern' jungle green. While I understand this came into service in the Far East during WW2, I do not know until when (and where) it was being used.

I wonder if the 'wings' of the CSM are Indian made, given distinctive downward-facing wings? His crown seems to be King's crown, but not 100% sure, due to clarity of this on the photo.

The Pegasus patches are not 44th Indian Airborne Division, so I assume that the group is likely post-1947. Until when was the Pegasus formation patch worn (before re-introduced more recently)?

Of course, the ranks and names of gents on the photo would be a big clue, in case anyone recognises them

Any insights appreciated!


PS: Depending on what comes to light, I may keep or sell the photo on.
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  #2  
Old 11-08-19, 10:30 PM
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There is no sign of the 1939-1945 War Medal ribbon on the medal ribbon bar so I doubt that the photo is post-1947.
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  #3  
Old 12-08-19, 06:05 AM
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Are the beret badges definitely REME, which pattern please?
One of the men has "Dag" as a nickname - any chance that they're Australian or NZ?
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  #4  
Old 12-08-19, 06:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leigh kitchen View Post
Are the beret badges definitely REME, which pattern please?
One of the men has "Dag" as a nickname - any chance that they're Australian or NZ?
Also a 'Clipper' Scott and 'Tick' Parkins - good shout Leigh - sounds a bit Antipodean to me too.

Although 'Chufty' appears to be Mancunian slang : Chufty badge : Invisible badge of honour for doing something insignificant

Last edited by Mike B; 12-08-19 at 06:49 AM.
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  #5  
Old 12-08-19, 08:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leigh kitchen View Post
Are the beret badges definitely REME, which pattern please?
One of the men has "Dag" as a nickname - any chance that they're Australian or NZ?
No, the beret badges look like RASC to me. See the attached two close-ups. Quite a number are wearing a darker looking version of the badge, which could be either wartime plastic economy or blackened badge. Opinions welcome!
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  #6  
Old 12-08-19, 08:54 AM
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I think they are men of 716 (Airborne) Light Composite Company, RASC. The unit was in Java in 1945-46.
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  #7  
Old 12-08-19, 08:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DougSA View Post
No, the beret badges look like RASC to me. See the attached two close-ups. Quite a number are wearing a darker looking version of the badge, which could be either wartime plastic economy or blackened badge. Opinions welcome!
My mistake - you'd typed RASC, for some reason I went into REME mode.
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  #8  
Old 12-08-19, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Hoot View Post
There is no sign of the 1939-1945 War Medal ribbon on the medal ribbon bar so I doubt that the photo is post-1947.
The CSM has the clearest set of ribbons (see first photo attached). These seem to include the 1939-1945 Star, then what could be the Italy or France & Germany Star, then others.

The last medal ribbon on the other two could be the Defence Medal?

When was the War Medal 1939-1945 actually issued?
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  #9  
Old 12-08-19, 09:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leigh kitchen View Post
My mistake - you'd typed RASC, for some reason I went into REME mode.
No worries!
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  #10  
Old 12-08-19, 09:12 AM
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I think they are men of 716 (Airborne) Light Composite Company, RASC. The unit was in Java in 1945-46.
I don't suppose you know where I can find more information on this company, ideally with record of some names? It would be great to find a positive match!
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  #11  
Old 12-08-19, 09:18 AM
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Seems to be a bit on t'web, eg

https://www.paradata.org.uk/media/667

https://www.paradata.org.uk/unit/716...e-company-rasc
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  #12  
Old 12-08-19, 09:30 AM
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Thank you. I was also just looking at these. Unfortunately, not finding any matches on the names yet. May need to locate the war diary...
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  #13  
Old 12-08-19, 09:36 AM
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Well done Leigh and Hoot for sharing your knowledge. Another example of this forum doing what it does best.
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  #14  
Old 12-08-19, 09:43 AM
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Well done Leigh and Hoot for sharing your knowledge. Another example of this forum doing what it does best.
Indeed!
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  #15  
Old 12-08-19, 09:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DougSA View Post
The CSM has the clearest set of ribbons (see first photo attached). These seem to include the 1939-1945 Star, then what could be the Italy or France & Germany Star, then others.

The last medal ribbon on the other two could be the Defence Medal?

When was the War Medal 1939-1945 actually issued?
I agree, 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star and Defence Medal. The 1939-1945 Star was introduced in July 1943, the France and Germany Star in May 1945 and the Defence Medal in August 1945. The War Medal 1939-1945 was also introduced in August 1945 so the ribbons had clearly not been issued at the time the photo was taken.
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